The service area for the Ramona Library encompasses 160 square miles with a current population of 50,000 and serves the backcountry including several Native American reservations. Within the last ten years, the population has grown by 30% and is likely to increase considerably within the next twenty years. Studies with strong community input have recommended that a 20,000 square foot library be constructed to meet the area's needs.

In 1998 a Ramona Revitalization effort was started by the County Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Diane Jacob took the lead to address the problems and needs of the community. Supervisor Jacob brought together community leaders and local residents to discuss their perceived needs for Ramona. Of the ten most important items on their list, a new library was number one. Since then a great collaborative effort was started by the Friends of the Ramona Library to bring together area schools, the County Library staff, the Ramona Senior Center, the Boys and Girls Club, healthcare providers, and others in the Ramona community. As a result of this broad involvement, the concept of an intergenerational community campus was generated and an option-to-purchase was negotiated for 6.8 acres of land between 12th Street and 13th Street on Main Street. The library is planned as Phase I of the Ramona Intergenerational Community Campus - RICC.

Architects' plans for the 20,000 square foot library were presented at three town meetings for community input. Several different architectural concepts were considered, and a final design with an early Californian style was approved. The San Diego County Library will build, own, operate, and maintain the library. Friends of the Ramona Library are coordinating the effort to raise the capital for building the library.